Nike Sales Up 31% Since Unveiling Kaepernick Just Do It Campaign

Nike took a chance by making former NFL quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, the face of their 30th Anniversary Just Do It campaign Crazy Dream. In a bold statement the ad reads: “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything #JustDoIt.”No company wants to anger their customers, or draw the slightest bit of negative attention to themselves. However, the sportswear giant, not only acknowleges there's a problem, but understands the reason

This is the greatest country on earth, but we have become increasingly divided mostly due to the politics. Even more alarming is we are allowing hatred, and non-tolerance, destroy the peace and harmony of our country. America's democracy, freedoms, and diverse population are why so many want to come here. We are the home of the brave, the land of the free. Yet in recent years the constant killings of unarmed African American males, young and old, have stained our image as a world leader in human rights.

Most of these senseless killings have occurred at the hands of law enforcement, whom taken an oath to protect and serve. Other tragic deaths are a result of a scary trend where citizens are getting away with murder, using Stand Your Ground Laws, as a license to kill. All the killings are happening to one ethnic group, and 99% of them go unpunished. The shootings have gotten so out of control, the police themselves can't explain why they're shooting people.

Watching people that look like him, lose their lives in a brutal fashion, compelled the NFL star to try and make a difference. Using his public platform Kap joined his fellow Americans in protest to say, ENOUGH! He boldly took a stance of solidarity, and kneeled as the National Anthem played. Not to be disrespectful, or anti-patriotic. Rather to challenge America to live up to the honor of the song. Using the 1st Amendment the famous American athlete explained, " How can you stand for the National Anthem of a nation that preaches and propagates freedom and justice FOR ALL, that's so unjust to many people living here." Other players, from all races and backgrounds, took a knee with Kaepernick in silent protest against police brutality and the human rights of all Americans.

exclusive interview with NFL.com’s Steve Wyche, Kaepernick further explained his protest: “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.”

Instead of bringing the nation together, the President, changed the narrative saying the players were being anti-American. Trump complained that they should all be fired, and accused America's greatest athletes of disrespecting the flag, and our veterans. Trying to be clear and change the subject back on the real issue they were protesting, the 49ers superstar did several interviews. Kap argued, ''Taking a knee is a physical display that challenges the merit of those, who have been excluded of those liberties."

For a while NFL owners tried to stand with their players, but they ultimately folded under Trump's pressure. Colin Kaepernick was basically forced to opt out of his contract. After 6 successful seasons with the 49ers, his career ended on March 3, 2017. A free agent, with undeniable talent Kap, has yet to be picked up by another team. It's pretty clear that had he stayed quiet, he's still be playing. ESPN News reported Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL owners, for colluding to shut him out.

Meanwhile, the former NFL star has received an outpouring amount of admiration and support from millions of fans, celebs, and fellow athletes. His life has taken on a new phase in which the once celebrated quarterback, is getting props for putting his money where his mouth is. Kaepernick was already active in his community supporting various charities, and donations to things like Camp Taylor, for children with heart problems. His social activism continues, as well as his continued efforts to fight for human rights.

Kap may not being playing football, but support is coming from all directions. Millions agree, and support the players right to peaceful protest. Despite backlash stirred up by the presidents rhetoric, Kaepernick is being recognized his sacrifice. Army Vet, Richard Allen Smith said,"There are veterans who not only agree with Kaepernick’s right to protest, but also with how he did it." Smith submitted an open letter from American military veterans, saying that people burning the quarterback’s jersey “with the troops and veterans being the reason seemed ridiculous.”

The Army veteran added that politicians and corporations often use the military's servicemen and women for promotion.“I wanted to put something out there in the world … to say that ‘There are veterans who not only agree with Colin Kaepernick’s right to do that, but also agree with the substance of the action." Taking it a step further Smith said, “And are willing to stand up and say Black Lives Matter and this is an important issue that we need to address in our country. Members from every branch of the service signed the letter.

Coach Nick Saban also supports the players right to protest. Saban was asked during his weekly radio show what he thought, by a caller who said he is a retired veteran.

Coach let the caller known he was a veteran too, and fought for the rights of Americans to protest. He also said he didn't believe they were out to disrespect anyone in the military. Way before Nike jumped on board,

Martha Firestone Ford, announced "We respect individuals' rights to express their views, even if they are not ones we share," she told

In 2017 Mrs. Ford, owner and chairwoman of the Detroit Lions, and a member of the Ford family, fired back at Trump's negative comments, “Our game has long provided a powerful platform for dialogue and positive change in many communities throughout our nation,” she said, “Negative and disrespectful comments suggesting otherwise are contrary to the founding principles of our country, and we do not support those comments or opinions.”

Unfortunately some Americans continue to rage over Kaepernick's protest, and Nike using the former quarterback in their new ads. New Orleans Channel 4 News reports, Mayor Ben Zahn, of the City of Kenner, LA. recently issued a memo (dated September 5, 2018) banning all city rec centers to purchase Nike gear. Zahn didn't intend for the letter to be made public, and received immediate backlash from city residents. Democratic activist, and political analyst, Donna Brazile is from Kenner,La. and actually posted the ignorant memorandum on her Twitter page.

Even though some folks are mad, because they want to be mad at something. The rest of the country is moving on. The NFL, still hasn't given Kaepernick a chance to play ball, but says they've decided not to implement a no-kneeling policy this year. To which, the president launched another verbal attack, saying team owners are afraid of their players. Hopefully America can get over the differences we have, and get back to the many things we have in common.